No coupons, membership cards or special discounts exist at Trader Joe's – the stores claim to post their lowest prices every day.

Trader Joe's Co. began in 1958 as a chain of convenience stores in Southern California known as Pronto Markets.

Trader Joe's first Orange County store opened in Laguna Hills in 1983.

Why they're No. 1: Whether you're after reasonably priced wine label Charles Shaw, affectionately known as Two-Buck Chuck, a wider selection of more exotic wines, cashews in pieces or whole, with or without salt, Trader Joe's has an eclectic variety of products at each of its stores. The mission is to buy locally and pass the savings along to the customers.

Claim to fame: Trader Joe's offers more than 2,000 unique grocery items, providing a different shopping experience. There are products from all over the world, with buyers bringing about 10 to15 new products a week. The first Trader Joe's opened in Pasadena in 1967, and the chain has expanded to more than 330 stores in 25 states. Known for its wide selection of wine as well as many organic products, Trader Joe's presents traditional choices right next to unusual alternatives on the same shelf. Looking for something beyond regular flour? Try peanut flour, which is chock full of protein and is gluten-free.

Fan favorite: "Trader Joe's offers the best prices around. They have healthy, fresh selections, delicious desserts and a tremendous variety of wines. The staff is very knowledgeable about their products and always willing to give preparation suggestions; they are very friendly and actually seem to enjoy their jobs." – Kelly Cokely, Orange

Stater Bros. is the largest privately owned supermarket chain in Southern California, operating 167 supermarkets in six counties.

Stater Bros. has served Orange County shoppers for 50 years.

Claim to fame: Stater Bros. seeks to carve out its niche in "value prices, high quality merchandise and friendly service," as indicated in its mission statement. "Our customers tell us the quality and assortment of our fresh produce and service meat departments sets us apart from many chains," said Jack H. Brown, chairman and chief executive officer. "We have butchers who actually go up to our customers and ask, 'May I help you?'" Offering more than 40,000 items, the stores take pride in using the latest technology to preserve energy.

Fan favorite: "Stater Bros. has great service. They have efficient, helpful and super friendly checkers, the lowest prices and super coupons. The checkers will always pull coupons for you because they have extra cut coupons handy – you won't see that at other stores. Other stores also won't take expired coupons, but here they are very accommodating and will let you use coupons a couple days over." – James Black, Fountain Valley

Fun fact: Stater Bros. says its distribution system affords it the shortest average delivery distance in the industry – 41 miles.

Ralphs is part of Kroger, one of the country's largest retail grocery chains.

Claim to fame: Having started in downtown Los Angeles 136 years ago as a tiny store, Ralphs has expanded to 258 stores throughout Southern California. In addition to standard grocery store products such as dairy, produce, paper goods, health care items and meats, Ralphs helps busy families with ready-to-eat prepared meals and time savers in the bakery and deli departments. Shopping at Ralphs is an efficient operation; many stores have the option of self check-outs. Ralphs offers quarterly discounts for Rewards Club members, and stores double coupons up to 50 cents.

Fan favorite: "Ralphs is very clean with clear and organized aisles. They have a courteous staff, good hot deli and the fruit is always fresh." – Sandra Lopez, Stanton

Fun fact: Ralphs donates millions to nonprofits in Southern California. One recent project was a checkstand fundraiser to benefit the USO.

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